June 30, 2025

Elios 3 vs. Elios 2: How do the Flyability drones compare?

Elios 3 vs. Elios 2: How do the Flyability drones compare?

As the Elios 2 approaches its end of life, it's the perfect time to consider upgrading to the next-generation Elios 3. In this article, we break down the key differences and benefits between the two models to help you make an informed decision.

 

What Elios 2 and Elios 3 Have in Common

Same Purpose, Same Vision

Both the Elios 2 and Elios 3 are built for remote inspections in hazardous and confined spaces. They share Flyability’s core mission: keeping workers safe while delivering high-quality data for critical maintenance decisions. Here are the shared advantages:

  • Keep personnel out of dangerous environments by performing inspections remotely.
  • Provide detailed visual and measurement data to support accurate maintenance planning.
  • Reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency through faster, more reliable inspections.

Collision-Resilient Design

Both drones feature Flyability’s patented collision-resilience technology. This allows them to bounce off obstacles, even if they flip upside down, and recover quickly. The system uses advanced motor control and flight algorithms to reverse thrust instantly, making them ideal for tight, unpredictable spaces.

High-Quality Inspection Payload

Each model comes with a built-in inspection system that includes a 4K camera, intelligent lighting, and automatic distance lock. The 4K camera captures images at 0.18 mm per pixel from 30 cm away, providing clarity close to what a human eye can see. The oblique lighting system mimics manual flashlight techniques to reveal surface imperfections like cracks or pitting. The distance lock ensures consistent, smooth inspections at a set distance.

 

Differences Between Elios 2 and Elios 3

While the Elios 2 has been a trusted tool for years, the Elios 3 is a major upgrade. It introduces new technologies, enhanced usability, and the ability to integrate additional payloads. Designed as the third generation of Flyability drones, the Elios 3 pushes the boundaries of what a compact inspection drone can do.

The Elios 3 is the result of four years of development, tested across over 200 missions, and refined based on user feedback. It features FlyAwareâ„¢, a proprietary SLAM engine, and integrates a LiDAR payload for advanced mapping and real-time situational awareness.

Key Features of the Elios 3

  • Easier to Pilot: Intuitive controls allow pilots to perform complex missions with minimal training.
  • Live 3D Reporting: All data is displayed in a 3D map, making it easier to analyze and report findings.
  • Real-Time Situational Awareness: The drone’s position and path are visible in real-time during flights.
  • Mapping Capabilities: Generate highly accurate point clouds of hard-to-reach areas.
  • Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement: Take precise thickness readings using an integrated ultrasonic probe.
  • Modular Payload System: Supports a range of future payloads for expanded functionality.

 

Survey-Grade Mapping in GPS-Denied Areas

The Elios 3 is equipped with a powerful LiDAR sensor, allowing it to create survey-grade 3D models of hazardous environments. With a maximum scanning range of 100 meters, it can map large and complex areas such as underground mines, sewers, and industrial facilities. The Surveying Payload (Ouster OS0-128 Rev 7) works with Faro Connect and GeoSLAM Connect to deliver point clouds with +/- 1.0 cm accuracy and +/- 0.1% drift.

Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UT)

The Ultrasonic Thickness Payload, developed with Cygnus Instruments, enables the Elios 3 to measure material thickness in hard-to-reach locations. Measurements are automatically tagged within the 3D point cloud, making it easy to locate and report defects without exposing workers to risk.

Real-Time 3D Mapping and Navigation

Thanks to FlyAwareâ„¢, the Elios 3 builds a real-time 3D map of its surroundings, helping pilots navigate safely and efficiently. This feature also allows for optimal route planning and coverage assessment during inspections.

3D Live Reporting with Inspector 5

Inspector 5 software lets users visualize Points of Interest (POIs) directly on a high-resolution 3D map. Stakeholders can easily navigate through digital representations of assets, improving communication and decision-making around maintenance and repairs.

Designed for the Future

The Elios 3’s modular design supports expansion with new payloads. Since its launch, Flyability has introduced several accessories, including the RAD radiation sensor, the Surveying Payload, and the Ultrasonic Thickness Payload. More are in the pipeline, ensuring the Elios 3 remains a cutting-edge solution for years to come.

 

New Use Cases with the Elios 3

The Elios 3 enhances all the applications that the Elios 2 was used for, while opening up new possibilities. With its advanced LiDAR, SLAM-based navigation, and integration with third-party software, it’s ideal for tasks like:

Mapping Hazardous Environments

Whether it’s a gas explosion site or a deep underground mine, the Elios 3 can scan areas that are too dangerous for humans. Its collision-resistant design and LiDAR allow for accurate, fast, and safe mapping of complex spaces.

Indoor Volume Tracking

The LiDAR payload enables precise volume measurements of stockpiles, reducing risks associated with collapses and improving inventory management. This is especially useful in industries like cement production where tracking material levels is essential.

Georeferencing and Data Alignment

The Elios 3 can capture high-resolution 3D data that can be aligned with existing maps and GPS coordinates. This helps identify hazards, track changes over time, and update records in places like underground mines or aging infrastructure.

 

Comparison Chart – Elios 2 vs. Elios 3

This chart highlights the main differences between the two models. For full technical details, visit Flyability’s knowledge base.

20240709_E2-VS-E3

Upgrade to the Elios 3 Today

After five years of service, the Elios 2 is reaching the end of its lifecycle. The Elios 3 offers more capabilities, better ease of use, and greater adaptability. With its improved data collection, intuitive interface, and expandable payload system, it’s the smart choice for modern inspection needs.

Now is the best time to upgrade! Flyability is offering a limited-time trade-in program for Elios 2 users, giving you a discount on the Elios 3. But the offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait. Upgrading now means getting the latest technology at a great price.

If you're interested in upgrading or have any questions, contact your local sales representative or Flyability reseller. You can also fill out our contact form to speak directly with our team.

PCR Nucleic Acid Detection Vehicle

With the introduction of this sampling and testing vehicle, it will greatly reduce the pressure on designated testing hospitals, provide convenience for testers, and greatly improve the testing ability, providing strong support for winning this battle against the "epidemic" as soon as possible.

Jilin HaoChen cleaning Engineering Technology Co., Ltd. is a technological innovation enterprise focusing on the pharmaceutical purification engineering industry. The enterprise has a superb purification engineering technical team and excellent construction force. The company has always pursued the service tenet of "safety first, quality-oriented, customer first and technology first". Many representative air purification projects have been established in Jilin Province, Heilongjiang Province, Liaoning Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. With a registered capital of 5.8 million yuan, the company has grade II qualification for professional contracting of Building Decoration Engineering; Grade II qualification for professional contracting of building electromechanical installation engineering.
Service Items:
Purification project of pharmaceutical clean workshop (pharmaceutical purification workshop, food purification workshop, electronic and chemical purification workshop, etc.)
Construction of purification operating room (hybrid integrated operating room, DSA operating room, laminar flow purification operating room, ordinary purification operating room, etc.)
Construction of ultra clean laboratory (Microbiology Laboratory, sterility laboratory, PCR laboratory, physical and chemical laboratory, P1, P2, P3 laboratory, etc.)
Construction of SPF animal feeding room purification project
Business items: medical purification color steel plate, supporting purification profile, air purification ventilation equipment, purification engineering supporting equipment, etc
At present, the company has 8 sets (pieces) of various large and medium-sized mechanical equipment, the original value of mechanical purification equipment is 4.6 million yuan, and the net value of mechanical purification equipment is 2.3 million yuan. The total annual construction output value is about 10 million yuan. Our company has 24 registered employees. Among them, there are 15 personnel with professional titles, 7 engineering technicians, 3 senior engineers, 5 engineers and 7 assistant engineers; 2 persons with economic management titles.
Morality first, customers first, safety first and economy first!
We look forward to working with you.

Pcr Nucleic Acid Detection Vehicle,Mobile Pcr Nucleic Acid Detection Laboratory,Pcr Nucleic Acid Amplification Test,Mobile Nucleic Acid Detection Vehicle

Jilin HaoChen cleaning Engineering Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.hcaircare.com